One never knows, when backpacking or hiking, when a catastrophe might occur. There are certain things you must have during such an ordeal to create a positive outcome. Water, shelter and food are amongst the top needs should you ever be lost or stranded in the woods. Its good to know that theres actually food all around you if you are in the wild.
Many plants are edible but you should know the testing procedure before eating wilderness plants. Some - many - can be poisonous and will literally kill you. Although there are few people who are experts on what plants can and cant be eaten there are tests to find out for sure. The same goes for bugs and insects. They are a great source of protein, are plentiful in most outdoor areas, and can keep you alive until help arrives.
Insects are somewhat like plants when it comes to what is edible and what isnt. Some plants are said to taste good whereas others have a bitter or sour taste. Just because something tastes bad, though, doesnt mean its poisonous. Those who have eaten insects for survival say the same thing about bugs: some taste okay and others are really disgusting. Even really disgusting insects, though, can help you sustain life while you wait to be rescued. There are some rules of thumb that can help you determine if certain insects are poisonous but that is not your only concern when it comes to finding bugs to eat. Often, while searching for insects, youll find that some unsavory characters share the same hiding spaces as bugs. Scorpions, snakes and spiders are on that list. Be extra cautions when moving logs, pieces of wood, and rocks in search of edible insects. Never reach inside a tree that has an opening or a rotting log. Insects which feed on dung are not suitable for eating. If you run up on insects in the woods, and they are crawling around deer and other animal feces, pass on them as a food source. Avoid eating bugs that, by nature, sting or bite, such as bees. Although some bees are edible they must first be cooked to make them safe. Bugs which are hairy, like a spider, are off-limits. Some bugs which are nutritious and edible include ants, termites, grubs and worms. Although many insects can be eaten raw some bugs, like certain ants, need to be cooked to remove the poisons. Never eat insects which may carry diseases like flies, ticks or mosquitoes. If you have captured bugs from standing water you should boil the bugs before eating. Avoid eating any brightly-colored bug. Bugs which are bright green, yellow, red or orange should be avoided. Most brightly-colored insects contain poisons and can even kill you if you ingest them. Caterpillars are amongst these forbidden insects. Avoid grubs which are found on the underside of plant leaves. Most of them secret toxins. Although many insects can be eaten raw remove all wings and legs before consumption. Some insects have tiny barbs on their legs which can cut the tongue and mouth. Never pick up dead bugs and eat them; you dont know what killed them or how long they have been lying around. Bugs with hard shells, such as beetles, should not be eaten raw. Under the shell is bacteria that can make you very sick. Cook the beetles by boiling or grilling. The shell can be removed before consumption. Eat worms raw but squeeze the muck out of them before consuming. Most of us cant bear the thought of eating an insect - cooked or otherwise - but in the right situation it could be all the food you have. Bugs are plentiful in any woods and knowing which ones are edible could save your life!
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